Examining our Patent
This week, after contacting the UC Davis IP department, we were able to receive more detailed information about our wearable technology. As the patent is currently pending, Davis researchers could not provide us with all of the information surrounding the emotional-feedback device. Regardless, they were able to send us material they developed for presentation at the International Textile and Apparel Association conference earlier last year in Vancouver, BC.Background
Following with the steps recommended by Professors Lavian and Rasmussen, our first step was to analyze the intent and inspiration behind the patent. In a short abstract from the Textiles conference, the researchers from Davis described our current understanding of the issues facing individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the research they conducted on how wearable devices could help improve their lives. Understanding the necessity of our wearable technology and the process by which it was developed is important for us as we develop our Value Proposition, providing us with a more nuanced understanding of the problem and market the technology was developed for.
As described by Inventors Koo, Rivera, Gaul, and Pan in this paper, the costs associated with ASD are expected to increase to $200 to $400 billion within the next decade. Individuals with ASD often have difficulty gauging both others and their own emotional states, providing a backdrop for the tech in this patent. According to research done by the inventors, 25% of surveyed individuals with ASD (IASD) were currently using Wearable Technology to help with their symptoms, while 40% of parents of children with ASD reported that their children were utilizing Wearable Technology for various uses. However, 100% of parents and 86% of IASD responded saying that they would benefit from a Wearable Technology that may help them increase their emotional awareness in social situations, which they may experience as stressful and embarrassing.
Upon finishing their initial research, our researchers at Davis found that ASD individuals would prefer Wearable Technology predominantly either in the category of an unobtrusive accessory such as a watch or bracelet, or in the form of a garment like a glove or sock. Among polled inviduals, the most important design factors were flexibility, portability, and accuracy. Additionally, individuals found it most useful to view their data on a smartphone, on device, or on a webpage. Lastly, the preferred cost range was between $100 to $200 (USD), though many parents of ASD individuals mentioned usefulness was a more important factor than cost in their decision to purchase a device.
Technology
In accordance with the research detailed in the previous section, researchers at UC Davis developed a wearable glove that integrates various sensors into the device in order to provide wearers and parents with real time interaction with their emotional responses.
The device measures Galvanic Skin Response, Heart Rate, and Heart Rate Variability in order to draw conclusions about an individual's emotional state. GSR measures skin-resistance due to sweat, a bodily factor influenced by the sympathetic branch of the Automatic Nervous System. The technology places these sensors at the fingertips of the glove, sensing the three variables by taking measurements at their placed location. Data from all the sensors is sent to a Microcontroller that may broadcast the data to an iOS mobile application built to receive sensor data.
Summary
This information about our patent is immensely beneficial for our project moving forward. Research down by the inventors helps us factor in form factors for our own product, while providing ball-park numbers for how much consumers may be willing to pay. Furthermore, details about the technology itself are quite helpful for us as we solidify a business plan. The Conference briefs provided to us reveal that the technology's sensor array can be used to gauge any individual's emotions, allowing us to continue considering a business application in the Content Feedback realm or for the general population.
Cool technology! Too bad that UC Davis can't give you more details. One thing that our group did was we looked at similar products that you can just google and saw what type of technology they used and how they were using it. Also, it would be cool to get creative with how the data is broadcasted: like a color changing glove or something. Great work though!
ReplyDeleteHaving the conference materials is certainly a nice bonus. Let's now start to build out the business. Product, unit economics, market size, competition, etc backed up by some market research. With that business case, we can start to pull together financials. Just 3 short weeks to have it come together.
ReplyDeleteReally great progress! A bit curious as to how the cost would limit/open up your customer base. Do you think it's too high or low?
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting technology, and I look forward to seeing how you guys move forward with it. It's unfortunate that the researchers at UC Davis can't disclose further.
ReplyDeleteIt is great that the conference materials provided survey results from patients, something that might have been unattainable by your group due to privacy issues! One thing that your group can consider would be the target customers: wearable technology companies (existing manufacturing platform to scale) or patients themselves (taking into account manufacturing costs) or etc. This would affect your business model subsequently.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like your group has collected some solid information regarding potential customer's need and what they value. Moreover, the fact that they value usefulness over cost is another essential element that I think your group should utilize well when creating a business model. However, the use of technology in these fields is not new and I am wondering who your potential competitors are. Have you seen what their marketing strategies are or what they believe their customers' value the most?
ReplyDeleteNice work! So are the potential customers going to be people with ASD? Also, you mentioned that people would prefer the wearable device to be around 100-200 dollars. Is this data obtained via survey conducted by your group?
ReplyDeleteHappy that you were actually able to make that patent from Davis work. I remember my group had it on our list during the first weeks of class and ultimately stopped pursuing it. Looks like your group is back on track after being behind. #pivot
ReplyDeleteThe information you gathered is really useful in helping you get together a business idea because it gives insight into user behavior and preferences. It would perhaps also be good to compare those results with additional customer survey to see if they hold true to the specific group you are intending on targeting.
ReplyDeleteOur team has also tried to pursue a similar patent, the Wearable Sensor Arrays Patent. However, our relationship with the professor was not that fruitful and we dropped the idea. Glad that you were able to pursue a similar project!
ReplyDeleteContent Feedback.. interesting. I see your group maintains a constant connection with the inventors and keeps the core of the project constantly updated. For the VC pitching, try to add an eye-catching content. Your idea and statistics seem to have a solid background, so focus on how to sell your product in the pitch.
ReplyDeleteHi! All of your research is very interesting and I am glad that you got to talk to so many people. I am interested to see how you will market this product and to see how you will set yourself apart from your competitors.
ReplyDelete